Homeward-Bound in Beaverton: What to Know Before You Move

Ready for Suburbia? Here's Everything You Need to Know About Beaverton

Moving to a new city is no easy feat. Relocating brings woes of saving for upfront costs and uncertain transitions, but moving also invites the potential to join a brand new community, and to take advantage of broader opportunities. Regardless, it’s safe to say that making the decision to move requires careful thought and meticulous research.

Here in the Portland metro area, people are definitely on the move. Beaverton, in particular, is gaining traction as one of the standout Portland suburbs worth considering. But before you start scrolling through Zillow or Redfin, get to know Beaverton by asking these four essential questions.

What's the Job Market Like in Beaverton?

Before you move, it's important to ask, "what's the job market like in Beaverton? Does it cater to my industry or profession? Is it expanding?"

If you work in tech, Beaverton is a great fit, because the technology sector is one of the city's high priority industries. Fortune 500 tech companies that include the likes of Nike's World Headquarters, stand as some of the city's leading employers. Other substantial employers in Beaverton's Washington County include Intel, which provides 12,000 jobs; and the Beaverton School District Public schools, with 3,782 employees.

What Neighborhoods Should You Consider in Beaverton?

Beaverton’s neighborhoods are as abundant as they are diverse. While the city’s fabric is changing quickly, here are a few neighborhood highlights.

For those in technology and retail industries, Cedar Hills is located conveniently close to Nike’s World Headquarters. If you plan to commute out of Beaverton for work in Portland, then consider moving to a neighborhood with easy highway access, such as Five Oaks. North Cornelius Pass is a popular neighborhood for families; with over 80% of its residents as homeowners, this Beaverton neighborhood offers established connection and community.

With dozens of neighborhoods available, Beaverton has something to offer all kinds of residents. What’s important, is that you take the time to reflect on what neighborhood qualities are most important to you – whether that’s schools, parks, commute time, or amenities, for example.

Our tip: take advantage of apps and technology to research neighborhoods in Beaverton. Nextdoor and Live Like a Local are two of our favorites.

What Can I Expect From the School System in Beaverton?

Families considering moving to Beaverton can rest easy, as Beaverton School District ranks in the state's top 10% compared to other Oregon school districts.

In Beaverton, investment in education spans across all grades. For younger students, Bethany Elementary School and Scholls Heights Elementary School both earned the top score of a 10 according to Great School's rankings. At these schools, parents praise staff involvement, claiming that "what makes this school so different is how involved everyone is from the teachers, principal and all the volunteers… they all truly want the best for our kids."

Catering to an older student demographic, Beaverton's School of Science and Technology boasts an impressive first-place ranking out of all high schools within Oregon. As a 9-12, accredited, public institution, this magnet school prides itself on college readiness and student success. Additionally, both Westview and Southridge High Schools in the Beaverton School District rank in Oregon's top 20 high schools.

What Do I Gain by Moving to Beaverton?

Located just outside of a bigger city, Beaverton offers typical suburban benefits that include community, greenspace, and tranquility. But the biggest thing many people are gaining by moving to Beaverton: value.

Currently, the average price for a home in Beaverton is $338,562. To many Portland homeowners, this price tag sounds like a deal. But for those who live in Beaverton, this price represents a substantial shift. Today’s current home price is already up 11% from last year’s median home cost. And in even more staggering news, the change in the median Beaverton home price is up by 50%.

So what do these figures mean for Beaverton residents? Beaverton is no longer a slumbering suburb west of Portland metro. Instead, Beaverton represents a developed area where homeowners can expect a solid return on their real estate investments as homes continue to appreciate.

Debbie Roger, a Beaverton resident, sums it up nicely: "I’ve spent the better part of two decades working in Portland, but I’ve spent the past 15 years living here in Beaverton. The area is changing, but to me, it’s still a place to raise a family, build community, and really stretch your money for what it’s worth.”